The 34-year-old was man-of-the-match against Catalan Dragons last Saturday in his comeback from a two-month calf injury.

So his presence in the Wolves pack will be crucial as Warrington, Wembley winners in 2009, 2010 and 2012, bid to deny Leeds a fourth final in five seasons at St Helens today.

“After the weekend I said to him, ‘what are you doing, you can still play?’ And mentally he could play for another 10 years,” said Joel, 32. “But living with him, ­physically you can see the toll it takes on him. So he is happy with the decision.

“He has had an awesome career and it’s been a pleasure to play alongside him these last four years. So it would be a fantastic way for the old fella to go out.

“He doesn’t talk about Wembley or Grand Finals. He just has to savour every game with it being his last year.

“Getting the calf injury was awful timing so he deserves a good send-off especially with what he has done for the club.”

Michael has enrolled his kid brother to be best man at his December wedding in Australia to his English fiancée.

“He has told her she has inherited a live-in brother-in-law,” added the former Canberra Raiders winger. “She is the only person who doesn’t want to move to Australia so hopefully he will be here for a few years.

“I would love to see him around Warrington but it is not for me to say.”

Leeds, appearing in a record-equalling 45th Challenge Cup semi-final, have not defeated Warrington at this hurdle since an 11-10 victory in 1910.